FAN is joining the nationwide HANDS OFF mobilization this Saturday, April 5 – we hope to see you there! Watch this video by FAN Board Chair, Rev. Carol Jensen to hear more about why it is so critical we take a public stand in this moment.
 
So many of the values we hold dear are being threatened by actions taken by the federal administration. Our fundamental rights, our social services and protections, our health care and educational opportunities, our public lands and environment, and our economic infrastructure have been under assault. This administration is “othering” and attacking beloved and integral members of our communities: immigrants, refugees, transgender people, educators, activists, and those without wealth.   

We as people of faith and conscience reject this embrace of billionaires and the powerful at the expense of the rest of us. We call on Congress and all public institutions to stand up for our democracy and all who are being stripped of their constitutional rights – no matter their religion, politics, or identity. We must show up in public ways to show we are part of the resistance to this unfolding nightmare.  

There are at least 41 locations in Washington where rallies are being held. Learn more and find one near you at: https://handsoff2025.com/ 

Create a sign that represents your values and join others in your community and across the nation to uphold our rights and values now.

We invite you to Join APRI, MLK Labor, next Saturday April 5th, at noon in Seatac to protest ICE, advocate for public schools, Support Immigrant and Trans Students and defend public workers and services.

Rally at Angle Park, 19408 International Blvd, SeaTac

March to Federal Detention Center 2425 S. 200 Street, SeaTac

Find out more information by e-mailing contact@apriseattle.com about the rally and march below. Contact Faith and Labor Roundtable FAN rep Blake Alford to connect to a FAN staff member at the event, alford@fanwa.org.

This week marks a critical juncture for HB 1217 which would end rent gouging in Washington state by limiting annual rent and fee increases to no more than 7%. HB 1217 is scheduled for a hearing this week in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.  Last year's rent stabilization bill did not advance out of this committee. Therefore, it is critical that we raise our voices and demand that the Senate take action to protect tenants and keep people in their homes. Please take a moment to sign in pro and send an email to your senator before 12:30pm this Friday and if you’re in Spokane show up to the press conference tomorrow.

✅ SIGN IN PRO:

🏠HB 1217 Rent Stabilization

📅 Public Hearing: Friday,  April 4 at 1:30 PM – Senate Ways & Means. Sign in PRO

This bill protects tenants from excessive rent increases by implementing a 7% limit on annual rent increases for existing residential tenants and a 5% limit for manufactured homeowners.

Rally for Rent Stabilization in Spokane

Location: The Hive Event Room C, 2904 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202

Join a coalition of housing advocates, renters and community leaders to stand strong in support of Rent Stabilization! We are experiencing a housing crisis. Rents continue to rise, eviction rates hit record levels and working people can't keep up. The WA legislature has the opportunity to address this crisis this year by passing, House Bill 1217, putting a 7 percent limit on annual residential rent increases and providing desperately needed relief for working families. Attend this event to rally for relief, hear from housing justice advocates and impacted residents and fight for rent stabilization now. Bring your signs in support of a rent cap and show that in Spokane, affordable and stable housing is a human right!

Show up with signs and support! If you can’t show up in-person, Greater Spokane Action will be live streaming the event on facebook

🪧SB 5041 Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers

📆Public Hearing: Friday, April 4 at 1:30 PM – House Appropriations. Sign in PRO

This bill allows individuals unemployed due to a labor strike or lockout to receive unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.

🏫 SB 5123 Protections for Students

📆Public Hearing: Friday, April 4 at 1:30 PM – House Appropriations. Sign in PRO

This bill expands protections for K-12 public school students related to gender expression and identity, housing status, ethnicity, neurodivergence and immigration status.

🔫HB 1163 Permit to Purchase Firearms

📆Public Hearing: Friday,  April 4 at 1:30 PM – Senate Ways & Means. Sign in PRO

This bill implements a comprehensive permit system for firearm purchases. This proven life-saving tool reduces firearm-related deaths and curbs illegal gun trafficking.

🏥HB 1432 Improving Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services

📆Public Hearing: Friday,  April 4 at 1:30 PM – Senate Ways & Means. Sign in PRO

This bill helps enforce insurance coverage parity of mental and behavioral health.

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